Exploring Asakusa: Senso-Ji Temple
It's no secret, I visited my fair share of temples while I was in Japan. Some days, I felt like that was the only thing we did, but there was simply so much to see! As we approached Senso-Ji, I was absolutely awestruck. From the vibrant colors, the blossoming sakura and the clamoring of the crowds, these picturesque scenes were like no other.
Exploring Kyoto: The Ultimate Itinerary
While I was in Japan, I had the pleasure of visiting Tokyo and Kyoto and they couldn't be more different. Tokyo epitomizes the modern urban experience as residents enjoy an assortment of Michelin starred restaurants, vibrant nightlife and the most state-of-the-art technology. Kyoto, on the other hand, exemplifies tradition, tranquility, and relaxation.
Adventures In The Land Of The Rising Sun
Konnichiwa everyone! I know it's been a while since my last post, but I promise I have a perfectly good excuse. In case you haven't been following along on my Instagram, I just returned from spending two weeks in Japan. What an adventure that was. Planes, trains, and automobiles, oh my.
Cheers To Pour Decisions: I Pàstini
What's better than a fire when you are freezing your a$$ off in Nashville? A bottle of VersoSud from I Pàstini. I am savoring every single drop!
One of my favorites from my Puglia trip was our visit to I Pàstini. Located in Martina Franca, I Pàstini is a winery not to be missed. Not only is their harvest organic, but every single grape is hand-picked.
Picturesque Polignano a Mare
After wrapping up the amazing cheese tour at Masseria Lamapecora, we headed to the coast to explore Polignano a Mare.
Unfamiliar?
Without a doubt, you have seen photographs pinned to a travel inspiration board on Pinterest or perhaps you have stumbled across articles in Travel and Leisure. It is quite possibly one of the most photographed regions of Southern Italy.
Puglia, Italy: Trulli Charming and Different
Arrivederci, Venice!
Ciao Puglia!
My bags are packed and I am anticipating countless adventures ahead. Where is Puglia you ask? Don't worry, I've got you covered!
Knock Knock...It's Prosecco O'Clock
What's a girl to do when she has an open day on her Venice itinerary? Make her way to the Prosecco Road, of course! After all, I may not speak Italian, but rest assured I am fluent in Prosecco.
Island Hopping: Murano and Burano
We've all seen the pictures on Instagram and Pinterest. Ones featuring picturesque landscapes that are so brilliantly colorful and eye-catching it doesn't even look real. Welcome to the islands of Murano and Burano. Even if it is your first time in Venice, you would be remiss not to plan an island hopping excursion.
Going, Going, Gondola- A Guide to Venice
A planner. That's how many of my friends would characterize me. However, this recent trip to Italy was quite the contrary. I booked my trip to Puglia over a year in advance based on a few instastories and photos that I saw following EPM. To be honest, I had never heard of Puglia but was intrigued by the stunning white landscape.
Recharge and Refocus
Buongiorno amici! Some of you may have been wondering where I have been. No, I have not fallen victim to a food coma nor did I fall out of the blogosphere. To say that life has been a hot mess lately is quite the understatement. I decided to take some time to recharge and refocus...in Italy! Over the next couple of weeks, I plan on sharing all of the juicy details of my adventures through Puglia, the southern region of Italy forming the "heel" of Italy's "boot" as well as my escapades through the canals of Venice. By far a trip of a lifetime.
Le Bernardin: Where Seafood is the Star
Le Bernardin is one of the premier gourmand destinations for seafood lovers. Opened by Gilbert Le Coze and his sister Maguy Le Coze as Les Moines de St. Bernardin in 1972, the brother/sister team decided to transport this culinary excellence to New York City and reopened as Le Bernardin in 1986.
NYC Nosh: Modern Mexican @Cosme
Wandering around New York City will certainly work up an appetite. For someone who relishes Mexican cuisine as much as I do, I would have been remiss not to visit Cosme. Located in the Flatiron district, Cosme is the brainchild of world renown chef Enrique Olvera who is also the creative mastermind behind Pujol, located in Mexico, and Atla, located in New York City.
San Francisco: Home Cafe
Visiting San Francisco meant one thing, checking out Home Cafe. Haven't heard it of? Well, stay tuned my friends. I am about to give you run down.
Why I paid $900 to dine at Saison
Acquiring Michelin stars has been a hobby of mine for quite some time, albeit a costly one for both my wallet and my waistline. In the midst of planning my annual trip to San Francisco, I decided it was a great time to add a few Michelin stars to my list seeing as the Bay Area now has as many three star restaurants as New York City.
D.C. Dining: Lupo Verde Brunch
Brunch. It's a social institution and there's arguably no better way to start your weekend. What do you look for when making your brunch selection? Champagne and Caviar service? Amazing eggs benny? What about that extra crispy Benton's bacon?
D.C. Dining: Rose's Luxury
Lately, it seems as if I am developing a habit of standing in lengthy lines for dinner. First Street XO and now Rose's Luxury. The question that is always asked: "was it worth it?" You'll have to read and find out!
D.C. Dining: minibar by José Andrés
I just returned from a weekend of wandering around Washington D.C. and I can't wait to share my dining adventures! Washington D.C. is not necessarily a place that is on my radar but one of my dearest girlfriends moved there for graduate school so of course, I had to visit! There's nothing better than enjoying sensational food with your best friends.
Madrid Musings: Mercado de San Miguel
One of my favorite "foodie" experiences during my trip to Madrid was visiting the Mercado de San Miguel. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I went each day while I was there. The market reminded me of the West Side Market in Cleveland, but with serious Spanish flair. There are a variety of vendors (over 30, I believe) serving different tapas dishes, meats, sherry, and seafood. I didn't even know where to begin, so I just started wandering.
Madrid Musings: Bites & Sights Part 1
When I was planning my trip to Madrid, I was a little overwhelmed. There was SO much to see and not enough time. That seems to be the case with all of my travel, but I digress. Below are a few of my favorite places that I visited. If you have any questions at all about any of this, feel free to comment below or shoot me an email! I am happy to assist in any way.
Madrid Musings: El Club Allard
Everyone has a story but I find the story of a chef to be particularly interesting. After reading several articles on El Club Allard, I knew I had to meet Chef Maria Marte. Her display of tenacity and perseverance is one for all to admire.
Prague is one of those cities that just gets you—like an old friend who knows exactly when you need a beer, a perfectly crafted cocktail, or a cozy corner to sip in style.